New Zealand Beat Pakistan by 60 Runs in Opening Match of 2025 ICC Champions Trophy

After a 29-year wait, Pakistan hosted a major ICC tournament again, but it wasn’t a day for celebration for the home crowd. In the opening match of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, New Zealand defeated Pakistan by 60 runs. Batting first, the Kiwis posted a total of 320 runs, and Pakistan, chasing the target, was bowled out for 260 runs.

New Zealand’s comprehensive victory over Pakistan in the opening match sent a strong message about their potential threat in the tournament. Openers Will Young and Tom Latham played crucial roles, with Latham scoring a match-winning century. The duo put together an important partnership of 118 runs.

Glenn Phillips further dented Pakistan’s hopes by demolishing their death bowling attack, scoring 61 runs off just 39 balls before being dismissed in the final two balls of the innings.

Pakistan’s reply got off to a rocky start, losing 2 wickets for just 22 runs in the first 10 overs. However, the team made a strong recovery in the next 10 overs with a partnership between Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman, adding 44 runs. Although Zaman was dismissed for 24, Babar Azam continued to lead the charge, reaching a half-century off 81 balls.

Salman Ali Agha contributed with a quick 42 runs off 28 balls before becoming Nathan Smith’s first wicket. Babar Azam, who was at 64 off 90 balls, was dismissed by New Zealand’s captain Mitchell Santner, handing them a crucial breakthrough. Khushdil Shah played an explosive knock, scoring a quick fifty, but it wasn’t enough to steer the team towards victory.

Pakistan’s innings eventually came to an end in the 47.2 overs, all out for 260 runs. In the opening match of the 2025 Champions Trophy, Mohammad Rizwan’s team suffered a significant 60-run defeat on home soil.